UNFPA, UNICEF, AND CANADA EXPAND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER GHANAIAN ADOLESCENT GIRLS
Accra, Ghana – 24th March 2025 - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office in Ghana, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Ghana, and the Government of Canada, through the Global Affairs Canada (GAC), have signed an agreement for Phase II of a programme on Reproductive Health Information, Education and Services for Adolescent Girls.
Building on the successes of Phase I, which ended in 2023, this new phase aims to empower 400,000 adolescent girls in Ghana, including marginalised girls including migrant girls, and those with disabilities, by enhancing their access to quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education, services, , and advocacy opportunities. The initiative supports Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through targeted interventions, Phase II will increase adolescent girls' ability to make informed decisions about their SRH rights, engage boys and men in promoting positive masculinity, and enhance the capacity of caregivers, traditional and religious leaders, and other key community figures programmes targeted at adolescent girls. Additionally, the initiative will improve access to adolescent-friendly, gender-responsive health and education services, including mental health and psychosocial support, nutrition, and menstrual hygiene management.
“Adolescent girls are at the heart of Ghana’s development. By equipping them with the right information, quality health services, and the confidence to make informed choices, we are laying the foundation for healthier communities and a stronger nation.” emphasized Dr. Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative in Ghana.
H.E. Myriam Montrat, Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to gender equality and reproductive health rights: “Canada is proud to partner with UNFPA in advancing the rights and well-being of adolescent girls in Ghana. Investing in their health, education, and empowerment is key to sustainable development.”
In spite of the significant improvement in addressing adolescent reproductive health challenges, many adolescent girls in Ghana still face barriers to accessing accurate information and essential services. Phase 1 reached over 1.9 million adolescent girls and 250,000 adults, with 240,000 girls benefiting from improved SRH services. However, challenges such as early sexual debut, limited contraceptive use, and high adolescent pregnancy rates persist. Phase II seeks to continue to address these gaps and ensure no girl is left behind.
“Strong partnerships are key to transforming adolescent health outcomes. UNICEF remains committed to working with UNFPA, the Government of Ghana, and our partners to expand access to essential reproductive health services and ensure that no girl is left behind,” stated Osama Makkawi Khogali, UNICEF Representative in Ghana.
UNFPA and UNICEF will collaborate with government institutions, local authorities, and civil society organizations to strengthen service delivery and policy implementation.
UNFPA will be the Administrative Agent of this 7-year Joint Programme between UNFPA and UNICEF that is funded by Global Affairs Canada to the tune of twenty-five million Canadian dollars (CAD 25 million). Additionally, US $7 million will be leveraged from various partners in support of this project to ensure access to essential RH commodities and family planning supplies.
The project will also draw synergies from other programmes funded by Canada and other partners, to maximise impact. It will work closely with civil society organizations and partners to create a comprehensive and sustainable approach to adolescent reproductive health.
*End*
